RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 112, 5 February 1919, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION

MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE. The executive of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association has reaffirmed its previous attitude regarding the claim for retrospective allowances. The association's claim, is that all wives and ohildren of married volunteers who enlisted prior to January 1, 1918, should be entitled to separation allowances at the full rate from the date of the soldier's enlistment. A grant was made by Cabinet in the late session to provide for a gratuity m lien of allowances, but although the regulations have, not yet been published, it is understood by the executive that this amount will not meet the full retrospective claims.

In connection with the war bonus, it has been decided to request the Minister of Defence that the association be given an opportunity to consider the proposals relating to the allocution of the amount voted by Parliament before such proposals are adopted.

' With the object of assisting the association in its work, it has been decided to obtain a nominal.roll of all New Zealand's dead, together. with the next-of-kin.

On the question of widowed mother's separation allowance, the executive is of the opinion Jthat the allowance given to widowed mothers ia totally inadequate, and it has decided to take "steps with a view to having the grant increased.' It has been further decided to recommend all associations affiliated to the headquarters of the N.Z.R..5.A., 'to appoint i>, standing land committee or committees for the purpose of advising prospective soldier settlers.

With regard to the question of. representation on, land boards, the association has reaffirmed its claim for representation of the Eetnrned Soldiers' Association on each of the land boards in the Dominion. .

With regard to tho Financial Assistance- Board, the , following resolution has been adopted:—"That since, in the reconstruction of the Financial Assistance Board, the Returned Soldiers' Association has ceased fa h K represented, and since ni the future the majority of the cases will be those of returned soldiers, tho association feels that representation is 'necessary, and requests the Government to appoint-a, representative on (lines similar to the Pensions Board appointment/"

MEETING AT AUCKLAND. By Telegraph-Press Association

Auckland, February i. The Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association, at a largely-attended meeting tonight, declared in favour of political action and necessary alterations of constitution to onaW the association to participate in political affairs.